2020 Stats: 37 receptions, 504 receiving yards, 7 receiving touchdowns, 60 targets. Finished as TE 17
2021 Projected Stats via My Fantasy League: 52 receptions, 637 receiving yards, 7 receiving touchdowns, 77 targets. Projected as TE 8
Jared Cook 2021 Dynasty Outlook
Last season, Jared Cook played in 15 of 16 games for the New Orleans Saints. Even with a revolving door at quarterback, Cook still finished as tight end 17. This off-season, Cook, 34, signed a one-year deal, worth up to $6 million, with the Los Angeles Chargers to be their starting tight end. He’s replacing the departed Hunter Henry, who signed with the New England Patriots.
Cook’s current dynasty outlook is pointing up. Based on IDPGUYS May TE Premium ADP, Cook is coming in as TE24. I think that is way too, low and I’m going to tell you why Jared Cook’s 2021 dynasty outlook is trending up.
Jared Cook Walking Into A Great Situation
Last season, Hunter Henry played in 14 of 16 games and had a snap percentage of 78. In comparison, Jared Cook only had a snap percentage of 43 in New Orleans. Only now, Cook will have second-year quarterback Justin Herbert throwing him passes.
As we all know, young NFL quarterbacks rely more on their tight ends in the early part of their careers. The other thing that works in Cook’s favor is that the Chargers offense is more of a down-the-field type offense compared to New Orleans, last season.
Star wide receiver Keenan Allen will continue to be option one for Herbert, but I can see Cook quickly being the second option on offense in 2021. The stats I provided at the beginning of the article also back up the fantasy potential for Cook. He’s going from a low-end tight end to a potential top 10 tight end — a jump you don’t normally see with many tight ends.
Should You Trade For Jared Cook In Dynasty?
We all know that after the big three tight ends — Kelce, Kittle, and Waller — there is a guessing game with who to pick next. It could also become opinion-based, as some people may like tight ends that others don’t. While there is a lot of hype for guys like rookie tight end Kyle Pitts or veterans Anthony Firkser and Mike Gesicki, to name a few, I think Cook is someone who is flying under the radar due to his age and his down year in 2020.
Cook is two years removed from his best overall season, which came in 2018 with the Oakland Raiders. If you are a contending team and are in need of a TE1, why not try to acquire Cook, especially in tight end premium leagues. Here is his current value, via Dynasty Trade Calculator.
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